Gila Campground — Roper Lake State Park, near Safford, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. With clean facilities and a friendly staff, it’s a place where you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground offers cabins and spacious sites, complete with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Many visitors rave about the cleanliness, especially the restrooms, which are some of the best around. One camper noted, “The facilities are immaculately clean,” making it easy to feel at home while you’re away.

If you’re into water activities, you’re in luck! The lake is a great spot for fishing and swimming, and the surrounding trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking. Early risers will appreciate the chance to catch a stunning sunrise over the water, as one reviewer shared, “Waking up early to watch waterfowl on the lake at sunrise is going to be one of my most memorable camping experiences.”

While the campground can get busy, especially during peak times, the layout allows for some privacy between sites. Just be mindful of your spot selection to ensure you get the view you want. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a solo retreat, Gila Campground has the charm and amenities to make your stay enjoyable.

Roper Lake offers three different campgrounds for lakeside camping.
The Gila campground offers eight cabins, five non-electric sites, and a 14 site group camp area. All non-electric sites include fire rings and picnic tables.

Gila Campground — Roper Lake State Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Safford, AZ has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Safford is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Arizona camping adventure.

Safford

The Best Camping Near Safford, Arizona

Great Southern AZ swimming hole and hotspring. Both cabins and camping spaces are nice. Full bathroom and showers available. Clean and peaceful location.

Roper lake

My husband, myself and our 2 small dogs live in Tucson, AZ. We recently acquired a roof top tent and we’ve been trying out various campgrounds across the Southwest. 

Water recreation areas in AZ are sparse, so this place holds a certain appeal. The facilities are nice and clean but if you’re not careful you could end up with only a view of your neighbors. We didn’t stay at the tent cabins, but they also looked nice. I’d come back to stay in the cabins with a group of friends or as a one night stop on the way somewhere else. It’s a great place to stop, swim, shower and hit the road for another adventure. When you haven’t seen a shower in days, they are so beckoning. 

Pros: larger sites and further spaced out then your typical RV park. Several sites include a covered picnic table(most in the Gila Loop do not). All sites have water, a fire pit and a table. Also- fishing! $20 a night for non-electric site is a good price since you can take free hot showers in the park. Cell phone service (T-Mobile) and WiFi). 

Cons: Most sites don’t have much of a view. Very few trees. Only a few sites are suited for tent camping. Busy park, expect to see a lot of other campers. Hot tub is permanently closed. 

Nice area- if you get the right spot

Camped for a week over Christmas 2020 and really enjoyed the serenity in the “non-hook up” loop? Tables, fire rings and grills, and water all available. Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl. The sites are large with plenty of screening for privacy. I would not stay in the hook up loops which are more typical Arizona State Park Campgrounds offering no privacy with sites usually crammed together. Walking trails all over the place including one that leads up to the Mesa top. There’s a beach,several docks for fishing and a boat ramp. Excellent staff. 

Great in December

We visited in November, so temperatures ranged from the 80s during the day down to the 40s in the night. The campsites were very clean and well-maintained, and at the time we visited, the campground was **very** quiet. Waking up early to watch waterfowl on the lake at sunrise is going to be one of my most memorable camping experiences.  

  

They had some minor plumbing problems related to other people flushing improper things down toilets, so nothing I'd fault the campground itself for. There was internet access, although I didn't use it very much.

Clean, quiet, comfortable

For starters the staff here is very friendly.  The facilities are immaculately clean.  I mean the cleanest campground restrooms I’ve ever seen.  We stayed in a cabin and it was nice and quiet.  We will definitely stay here again.

Photos of Gila Campground — Roper Lake State Park

Real photos from real campers